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January 16, 2012

L.L. Bean 100th

L.L. Bean is launching a series of products to celebrate their 100th Anniversary. These products will stay true to their outdoor heritage and include special edition shotguns, canoes, snowshoes, bamboo fly rods, and of course the Maine Hunting Shoe. As a precursor to the release of their heritage items, they sent me two of their 100th Anniversary edition books.

A lot has changed at L.L. Bean over the last 100 years, but one thing remains true - the customer service. Ironic to the timing of this post, I called the Hunt/Fish store Saturday morning to seek advice on suitable ice fishing lakes in Western Maine. The older gentleman on the line, Mark, ended up being from a neighboring town from where I was born in Northern Maine. Our conversation led from ice conditions, to his daughter, in-laws, and ended up on my blog, which oddly enough he'd seen.

This is what Leon Bean intended. He claimed folks could call up to place an order or simply ask friendly outdoor advice, exactly what I received. And in case you were wondering, the shotgun set, which they made five of, costs $75,000 and they've already sold a couple - one to a dealer out West who is holding for collectible value.

Hunting Fishing and Camping is an update from the 1947 edition, which originally cost $1.00. It offers timeless tips on outdoor activities that hold true today. L.L. sought a publisher for his book and after being turned down, printed it himself. Publishers were soon apologetically knocking on his door.

I now, also, hold record for first photograph with this book and a fresh rainbow trout.

As for the second book, Guaranteed to Last - it will take you a week to get through the content. L.L. Bean dug through the archives to photograph items that have never been seen by the public before, such as many of the founders' personal items.

The book covers early history. Here is the man himself, with my all-time favorite quote.

Advice and gear for telling tall-tales.

The book also talks about the future, which will probably involve the Bean Boot. Sales were up 57% year over year (2011). Incredible. The book is packed with inspiring photography and interesting company history. It's a coffee table book for years to come. Pick up one or both of the 100th Anniversary books on their website